Tuesday, January 22, 2013

CAIR-Phillyto Air Its 'Brown Skin, Funny Names' DocumentaryCAIR-Philadelphia's documentary, "Brown Skin, Funny Names," will air Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. on PhillyCAM (Philadelphia Community Access Media) this week and through February. Brown Skin, Funny Names is a 24-minute documentary that explores the perception of identity and race in post-9/11 America. Experts and community activists featured in this film talk about Pennsylvania's anti-Muslim bill, House Bill 2029, in the larger context of racially motivated laws and policies in America, while digging deep and sharing their own life experiences.

ISLAM-OPED is a syndication service of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) designed to offer an American Muslim perspective on current political, social and religious issues. ISLAM-OPED commentaries are offered free-of-charge to one media outlet in each market area. Permission for publication will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis.

ISLAM-OPED: Dr. King's Legacy Mandates Respect for Due Process, End to Drone Killings and Warrantless Surveillance

By: Dawud WalidWORD COUNT: 626

[Dawud Walid is executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties organization. He may be contacted at: dwalid@cair.com ]

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day symbolizes many important moral and ethical principles, including the citizenry's responsibility to end the federal government's abuses of civil and human rights, both at home and abroad.

Dr. King is most often remembered for his leadership in the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, his witnessing the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, which challenged America to achieve a higher sense of morality. Moreover, Dr. King is remembered as being imprisoned by bigoted Birmingham, Ala., police and having his life threatened by White Supremacists.

What seems to be left out of contemporary MLK Day discussions is that Dr. King was a strong critic of American military actions against civilian populations and was himself the subject of intrusive federal surveillance by the FBI.

Dr. King was one of the first prominent public intellectuals to take a vocal stand against the war in Vietnam. In fact, he specifically declared that America was "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world," much of which targeted "little brown Vietnamese children."

Dr. King's call for justice for all of humanity caused him to come under intense spying by the FBI and for its director, J. Edgar Hoover, to label him "the most dangerous man in America." America has made great progress since the time of Dr. King, yet our nation remains plagued by these same moral challenges created by American violence abroad and by intrusive warrantless surveillance by federal law enforcement.

For example, America's drone program continues to kill civilians under the banner of "collateral damage," thus causing the rise of anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world.

According to a recent study by Stanford University and New York University titled "Living Under Drones," only two percent of extra-judicial drone killings in Pakistan are of terrorists that pose an imminent danger to America.

Retired General Stanley McChrystal, former top commander in Afghanistan and once a strong proponent of drone strikes, now questions the negative impact that they have on long-term American interests. Simply put, it becomes difficult to justify the deaths of so many civilians, including innocent women and children, and at the same time claim to be the world's torchbearer of liberty and justice for all people.

Regarding warrantless surveillance, the FBI sent uncounted confidential informants and agent provocateurs into Islamic houses of worship -- without predication of criminal activity -- to make "initial threat assessments."

The tragedy of 9/11 continues to be misused as a justification for blanket monitoring of law-abiding Americans. Along with American Muslims, the FBI in recent years even monitored the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and spied on Occupy Wall Street activists for the constitutionally-protected freedoms of speech and assembly. Such warrantless surveillance not only is a waste of tax dollars and does not make the homeland any safer, but is also a violation of the very principles that are supposed to separate us from police states.

In the spirit of Dr. King, our national discussion should not only focus on racial equality, but also must include serious conversations about how the violence that America commits overseas affects the soul of the nation and how intrusive monitoring by the federal government is opposed to the aspirations of the Founding Fathers.

No one can know for certain what Dr. King would say about America's current drone killings and warrantless surveillance under the guise of national security. However, based on what he preached and was subjected to, it is safe to say that those who seek to follow in his footsteps should stand up for due process, question the violence carried out by our nation overseas and call for the cessation of federal law enforcement's intrusive monitoring of law-abiding citizens and legal residents

CAIR-CA PAC: 28 Muslim Delegates Elected to CA Dem PartyCalifornia Muslims made political history when 28 Muslim candidates were elected by Democrats as delegates and alternate delegates to the California Democratic Party (CDP). This constitutes the largest number of Muslims ever elected as delegates in California.

Reminder: CAIR to Hold Inauguration Day Open HouseThe Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) holds an Inauguration Day open house in which visitors will be able to watch the inauguration ceremony on a big-screen television and receive information about the organization.DATE: Monday, January 21TIME: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.LOCATION: CAIR Capitol Hill Headquarters, 453 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.RSVP to Robert McCaw, 202-488-8787, rmccaw@cair.com

Islamophobia Watch: VA Teacher Not Guilty of Assault During 'Islamic' LessonThe girl's mother, Stephanie Bennett, said members of the Chesapeake public school system and Police Department conspired to "cover up the truth." "If this had been a Christian teacher, she would have been out on her butt," she said, claiming Harris is a Muslim. "This is unfair. My daughter was assaulted." Harris - a teacher in Chesapeake for more than two decades - told investigators she is a Christian.

Backgrounder: CAIR, PFAW Ask Mich. School Not to Host Anti-Muslim 'Charlatan'His bizarre claim that "in my family was the Grand Wazir of Islam" promoted Calvin College history professor Douglas Howard to investigate Saleem's background. [NOTE: The title "Grand Wazir of Islam" has never existed.] "I concluded this person is a fraud," said Howard after his investigation into Saleem's claims.

Hundreds Attend CAIR Inauguration Day Open HouseHundreds of people attended an Inauguration Day open house held yesterday at CAIR's Capitol Hill headquarters. (MORE)CAIR-FL:Diverse Paths to Embodying MLK's 'Dream' (Video)"The more time elapses, the more people are educated," said Ruiz, now a Coral Springs resident who serves as legal counsel for the South Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR Receives Civil Rights Award at Muslim Inaugural Event

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/22/13) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, received the first-ever Golden Minaret Award for "Excellence in Civil Rights" Sunday night at an event marking President Obama's second inauguration.

CAIR National Legal Director Nadhira Al-Khalili received the award at the Muslim American Inaugural Benefit Gala held Sunday at the Josephine Butler Parks Center in Washington, D.C. The gala was attended by elected and public officials, community leaders, activists, entertainers, and athletes.

According to the event sponsors, the Golden Minaret Awards Program is "similar to the 'ALMA' or 'NAACP Image Awards'" and recognizes a cross section of American Muslims and their organizations and institutions. Areas of recognition include media and entertainment, medicine and civil rights.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

1994 Calif. Mosque ArsonChanged CommunityWhen a new, 12,000-square-foot mosque on Tierra Buena Road burned to the ground on Sept. 1, 1994, it was not investigated as a hate crime ... "When you use a couple gallons of gasoline and douse carpets with it, you're intending to do some real damage," Washburn says. "It was obvious from the beginning that it was a hate crime, but people were shy about coming out and saying it."WHAT: "An American Mosque," a documentary about Islam in America and the enduring belief in freedom of religion.

CAIR-OK: Social Justice in Islam and the Legacy of Malcolm XHumanity has shown that we are capable of overcoming injustices in society when we open our hearts and minds to an unbiased acceptance of the truth, just as Malcolm X did in the journey that led to his transformation to El Hajj Malik El Shabaaz.

Texas Muslims to Hold 'Capitol Day' Jan. 31 in Austin
Muslims from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other cities expected to take part in advocacy effort

(AUSTIN, TX, 1/17/2013) -- On Thursday, January 31, the Texas Muslim community will hold its biennial "Texas Muslim Capitol Day" at the state Capitol in Austin. A diverse group of Texas Muslims, representing Islamic organizations and mosques from across the state, are expected to take part in the event, which is designed to encourage positive civic participation by Muslims and their interfaith partners.

WHAT: Texas Muslim Capitol Day News Conference and Rally WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (Advocacy training and meetings with elected officials and their staff will take place throughout the day.)WHERE: South Steps of the Texas State Capitol Building in AustinWHO: American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Council on American-Islamic Relations-Texas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio), Crescent Youth, East Texas Islamic Society, Greater Houston Coalition for Justice, Houston Peace & Justice Center, Islamic Circle of North America, Islamic Relief, League of United Latin American Citizens, Masjid-ul-Mumineen, Muslim American Society Texas, Muslim Council of USA, North Austin Muslim Center, Risala Foundation, Southwest Region of the Nation of Islam, Texas Impact, Texas Muslim Democrats and othersCONTACT: Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter, 832-549-1042, mcarroll@cair.com

Imam Islam Mossaad of North Austin Muslim Community Center is confirmed to be the "Pastor of the Day" who will offer the invocation in the House Chamber at the state Capitol. Imam Islam stated:

"Praise is for the All-Mighty for the honor of opening the legislative session with a sincere prayer to Him that we get matters right for all Texans. Texas Muslims have much to offer our state and will continue to make strides of bringing more understanding, justice, security and prosperity to the people of the state of Texas."

Throughout the day, Muslims from across the state will participate in meetings with their state legislators to discuss community concerns, including religious freedom, immigrant rights and civil rights relating to privacy and technology issues.

"Like many Texans, Muslims are concerned about the status of the economy, education, healthcare, safety, and civil liberties," said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter. "Additionally, the heightened anti-Muslim rhetoric and sentiment coming from some elected officials is alarming. Our goal for the 2013 session is to mobilize people to attend, to be educated about the political process and to learn how they can become more effective advocates."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

400 Wash. State Muslims to Meet Lawmakers on MLK Day Annual event designed to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

(SEATTLE, WA, 1/18/2013) -- On Monday, January 21, some 400 Washington state Muslims are scheduled to meet with dozens of their elected representatives as part of the annual "Washington State Muslim Lobby Day."

[NOTE: Also on January 21, CAIR will hold an Inauguration Day Open House from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Capitol Hill headquarters (453 New Jersey Avenue SE) in Washington, D.C. To RSVP for the Inauguration Day Open House, contact Robert McCaw, 202-488-8787, rmccaw@cair.com. On January 31, CAIR will co-sponsor "Texas Muslim Capitol Day" in Austin.]

The event, one of the largest of its kind in the nation and the largest gathering of Muslims from across the state, is being organized by the Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA).

CAIR-WA's annual lobbying day has been held each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and is designed to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his defense of civil rights through positive civic engagement.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: Some 400 Muslims march from Olympia Center to the Capitol; Muslims rally at Capitol Steps; Legislative appointments 11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. (Media welcome to accompany some groups to meetings. Meeting schedules available on request.)

Muslim voters attending the event will represent at least 33 of the 49 state legislative districts. They will provide information about recent anti-Muslim incidents and will urge their legislators to speak out against Islamophobic rhetoric and hate crimes.

Participants will also urge legislators to take action on other issues, including preserving critical public programs and having a balanced approach to the state budget. They will present legislators with a DVD copy of the award winning documentary, "Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet."

"This event will provide an opportunity for Muslims from the majority of our state's legislative districts to learn more about the political process and to meet their elected representatives," said CAIR-WA Executive Director Arsalan Bukhari. "Legislators should take action during this crucial year to allocate funds to preserve critical services for the most vulnerable in our society."

He said the increase in Islamophobic rhetoric and an accompanying spike in bias incidents is another issue of great concern to the state's Muslim community.

Bukhari stated:

"We have witnessed 10 anti-Muslim hate crimes in the Northwest in just the past year, which should be serious cause for concern and corrective action. Muslim constituents will work to make lawmakers aware of the growing problem of Islamophobia and of the veiled and camouflaged manner in which it is being promoted. It is imperative that local and national leaders speak out and condemn the growing level of anti-Muslim prejudice and work with their Muslim constituents and their allies to oppose this promotion of bigotry against minorities, whatever the source."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Video: U.S.-Born Israeli Candidate Suggests Blowing Up Dome of the RockJeremy Gimpel, an American-born candidate running in next week's Israeli elections, has inflamed the race after video surfaced of him asking what would happen if two mosques on Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock were blown up and replaced. . ."Imagine if the Golden Dome – I'm being recorded so I can't say 'blown up' – but let's say the Dome was blown up, right? And we laid the cornerstone of the Temple in Jerusalem," he told the crowd in the video, now available on YouTube.

HowWill the Mosque Be Removed?You see, when the miracle happens that we Jews will be united in our vision that it's time to rebuild the Temple, the Arabs will be there too, and they will lovingly dismantle the Mosque stone by stone on their own volition, and rebuild it elsewhere.

CAIR-MI:King Would've Opposed Drone Wars (Detroit News)Based on what King preached, those who seek to follow in his footsteps should stand up for due process and question the violence carried out by our nation overseas. Dawud Walid is executive director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI).

ISLAM-OPED is a syndication service of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) designed to offer an American Muslim perspective on current political, social and religious issues. ISLAM-OPED commentaries are offered free-of-charge to one media outlet in each market area. Permission for publication will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis.

[Nihad Awad is national executive director for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties group. He may be contacted at: nawad@cair.com ]

In my position as the leader of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest American Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, I am eternally grateful for the vision, struggle and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He did not struggle only to free his own generation, and his work will continue to bless many generations to come in America and around the world.

Although there is much work yet to do, we witness the fruits of his struggle for justice and equality every day.

Every time we succeed in protecting the rights of a Muslim child who is bullied because of his or her faith, or of a Muslim woman who is fired because she refuses to remove her religious headscarf (hijab), we employ the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. King also resulted in the Voting Rights Act, which is key to the enfranchisement of all minorities, including American Muslims.

Every time I stand before a crowd to encourage civic participation and to mobilize positive action to protect minority civil rights, I remember Dr. King and the many other leaders who sacrificed so much, including their lives, and made our work in defense of civil liberties possible today. Without their courage, dedication and achievements, none of our work would be possible.

Today, we honor their memory by working to protect the liberties that they fought for. No one should take the peace and freedom we enjoy for granted.

Despite substantial progress in civil and human rights, fear and hatred continue to threaten the bonds of our society. When we see Muslim houses of worship firebombed, Sikh temples attacked and hear those who fail to see others as their equals broadcasting their message of hate on the airwaves, we know that that we must remain vigilant.

Dr. King once noted: "Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom."

American Muslims are learning this important lesson as we confront many of the same challenges faced by Dr. King and by members of other minority groups throughout our nation's history.

Individual Muslims and Muslim institutions are under relentless rhetorical attack by a vocal minority of our fellow Americans who seek to falsely portray Islam as a threat to this nation.

But try as we might, American Muslims will never be able to reverse this manufactured hostility to our faith without being part of the larger civil rights movement. This must be a collective effort, and it will only be through seeking advice from those who have come before us and by joining hands with others that American Muslims will have a chance of success in decreasing intolerance and increasing mutual understanding.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said: "Whoever sees evil should change it with the help of his hand (activism); and if he has not strength enough to do that, then he should seek to change that evil with his tongue (by speaking out against it), and if he has not strength enough to do that, (even) then he should (abhor it) in his heart (by always disapproving what is evil or harmful), and that is the least of faith."

Like the Prophet, Dr. King also showed us that the highest form of faith is to take positive action, to challenge evil, and to seek peace, justice and freedom.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Verse of the Day:"O you who believe, Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for God can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well acquainted with all that you do." (The Holy Quran, 4:135)

CAIR:NJ Muslims See Bias in Opposition to MosqueElMenshawy said he doesn't buy it when opponents claim their concern is parking or traffic. "There is no doubt it's because it's a mosque," he said. "It's part of the terrain nowadays." Khurrum Ali, civil rights director for [CAIR-NJ], said there is little Muslim leaders can do about that. "We can try to educate those individuals that there is nothing to fear and we can try to educate them about Islam."

Video:Multi-Faith Protest of Hate Group Leader Pamela Geller's Speech (CAIR-MD)Months after a debate over controversial anti-Muslim billboards in some Metro stations erupted, the woman behind those ads appeared at an event in Annapolis. . .Protesters outside held signs with messages such as "Hate is Not an American Value." [CAIR-MD] organized the multi-faith protest, calling Geller the "leader of a designated anti-Muslim hate group."

CAIR-NY: Rally for Subway Hate Crime Victim (TimesLedger)Muneer Awad, of CAIR-NY, said he believed the attack and many other hate crimes against Muslims and those who resemble Muslims, such as Hindus and Sikhs, have been encouraged by city policies. He criticized the NYPD's monitoring of mosques, hookah bars and Muslim groups inside and outside the city and the MTA allowing an anti-Islam group to buy ads on the subway. "These isolated incidents must not happen in a vacuum," Awad said about the attacks on South Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants.

Hadith of the Day: Ask God for Forgiveness and HealthThe Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Ask God for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than (good) health." (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 780)

Help Needed with University Study of Muslims and Health CarePlease task a few minutes to help with a research study on perceived discrimination among Muslims in the U.S. health care setting. Take the surveyhere. This research will help health care providers understand what is important to Muslims when they use health care services and aims to increase understanding about how to provide care to Muslims that is meaningful and satisfactory. Your responses will be kept completely confidential.

CAIR: S. Carolina Muslim Denied Right to Hijab in PrisonNadhira Al-Khalili, national legal director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, says that on Dec. 31, corrections officers forced a woman to remove her hijab for a booking photograph and then did not allow her to wear it while she was incarcerated. CAIR sent a letter to the S.C. Department of Corrections early last week requesting that the agency obey the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act, which protects religious practices in prisons.

CAIR-MDExposes Pamela Geller's Extremism: The Tide of IslamophobiaWithout question, we at the Maryland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations uphold the constitutional right to free speech. However, it is reckless and irresponsible for MDCAN to welcome bigots and hate-mongers like Ms. Geller. We strongly denounce the racism, fear-mongering, and Islamophobia created through her words and actions, and we urge the organizers of this conference and all people of good conscience to do so as well.

(HARTFORD, CT, 12/28/2012) -- A representative of the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) today joined members from Al Hedaya Islamic Center and other representatives of the interfaith community in Newtown, Conn., to mark the two-week anniversary of the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Several dozen people gathered to remember the victims of the senseless shootings and to offer spiritual support to theloved ones of those who died.

"We hope the many prayers by those of different faiths will offer the spiritual supportneeded to place our community on the path to healing," said CAIR-CT representative Mongi Dhaouadi. "Al Hedaya Islamic Center has been playing an important role in Newton by connecting Muslims in the area with the healing process."

Since the attack on the school, CAIR has been in contact with the Muslim community in Newtown to provide support and to help the community to cope with the aftermath.

Two days after the shootings, Al Hedaya Islamic Center participated in a prayer vigil with families of the victims and survivors that was attended by President Obama.

During this event, Al Hedaya representatives recited verses from the Quran, Islam's revealed text, and read a statement asking God "to grant those lost a special place in paradise and we ask their families to be granted the strength to endure the unendurable."

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Hadith of the Day: Birds of ParadiseA man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying two of his children had died, and asked whether the Prophet could tell him anything that would soothe his heart. The Prophet said: "Small children are the birds of Paradise. If one of them meets his father (or his parents) he will take hold of his clothing ... And he (the child) will not let go until God causes his father to enter Paradise." Sahih Muslim

CAIR: CA Muslims Join with Japanese American Group to Educate, Empower YouthThe Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), in collaboration with the San Francisco Bay Area Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Tule Lake Committee, will be sponsoring a program whose goal is to bridge communities and build partnerships of understanding.

MN:Nigerian Muslims Gather for Annual ConferenceMinneapolis is the host city for this year's National Council of Nigerian Muslim Organizations annual conference. Each year it brings together hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of people to worship, learn and celebrate their heritage.

Friday, January 11, 2013

CAIR-FLHolds eBay Auction of Allen West’s ‘NUTS!’ LetterMuslim group will use proceeds to defend civil liberties of all Floridians(MIAMI, FL, 1/7/13) – The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-FL) announced today that is holding an eBay auction of the “NUTS!” letter sent to the Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization by Rep. Allen West (R-FL).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR to Hold Inauguration Day Open House on Capitol HillAmericans urged to take part in National Day of Service inaugural kick-off

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 1/7/2013) - On Monday, January 21, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization, will hold an Inauguration Day open house at its Capitol Hill headquarters during President Obama's second-term swearing-in ceremony and address.

Visitors to CAIR's headquarters will be able to watch the inauguration ceremony live on a big-screen television and will be offered information about the organization, Islam and the American Muslim community. Because the temperature is expected to be in the 30s to 40s, hot drinks will be provided.

"We hope to offer Inauguration Day visitors an opportunity to warm up and refresh themselves while learning more about the American Muslim community and CAIR's civil liberties initiatives," said CAIR Government Affairs Coordinator Robert McCaw.

McCaw said CAIR is also urging American Muslims and citizens of all faiths and backgrounds to take part in the National Day of Service, which kicks off the inaugural weekend on Saturday, Jan. 19, by volunteering for community service projects to celebrate unity and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.